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Welcome to the Norbeck Society’s website

Check out the calendar, outings, news updates and more!

OUR MISSION:

“Friends and neighbors as advocates for stewardship, restoration and enjoyment of public lands, ensuring a conservation legacy for future generations”

ABOUT US:

In April 2005, a new organization called the Norbeck Society was founded by South Dakotans to bring together like-minded people who want a unified voice in various outdoor issues and projects.

PETER NORBECK (1870-1936)

Peter Norbeck was South Dakota’s first native-born governor and United States senator. He served as governor from 1917 to 1921 and as senator from 1921 until his death in 1936. He brought Gutzon Borglum to South Dakota and convinced Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Franklin D. Roosevelt to provide federal money for the carving of Mount Rushmore. He also contributed to the development of Sylvan Lake, Needles Highway, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, and Wind Cave National Park.

“You’re not supposed to drive here at 60 miles an hour. To do the scenery half justice, people should drive 20 or under. To do it full justice, they should get out and walk.” —Peter Norbeck on the Black Hills